Signs of Serious Damp Issues That Demand a Professional Damp Proofing Specialist
The wet weather we are experiencing in the UK never seems to end and this is certainly bad news for London homeowners, what with clay-based ground that holds water, which can cause serious damp issues. Serious damp problems need professional treatment, and with that in mind, here are a few signs that your home is under attack by moisture and you need professional damp proofing in London.
Visible damp patches on interior walls and ceilings
This is a sure sign that damp has taken hold of your home; for damp to seep into the interior plaster, there must be a significant leak. London Damp Specialists have qualified and experienced surveyors that can identify the cause of serious damp problems and our teams of damp proofing specialists are ready for anything. Work needs to commence sooner rather than later and when we issue a quote, it is all inclusive, plus we guarantee our work for a full 30 years.
Black mould growth
Black mould presents a serious health hazard and prolonged exposure can lead to serious respiratory and the sooner you call in the experts, the better. Black mould can spread quickly and it is usually accompanied by a musky smell in the house; it might be that part of the property needs to be vacated until the work is completed, as safety is an issue.
Rotting roof timbers
A major roof leak that is unaddressed could lead to serious wet rot that attacks rafters and joists; replacing roof timbers is a major operation that would involve a lot of work and the spread of the rot must be capped before remedial work can begin.
Condensation on the walls
You know that damp has taken hold when condensation streams down the interior walls; the area needs to be completely dried out before the damage can be assessed; of course, the source of moisture penetration must be found and our damp proofing specialists know what they are doing. Plaster has to be removed and it might be necessary to use water-resistant cement with numerous coatings, depending on the severity of the moisture penetration.
Rotten skirting boards
The boards would need to be removed and the substrate would be worked and when the damp problem is repaired, new skirtings can be fitted. There would be a musky smell in the room and it is likely that other materials would be compromised, such as architrave and timber window frames.
Cracks in exterior walls
Brickwork and masonry often cracks and splits, which can cause structural issues and an expert needs to inspect the site before anything can be done. A structural engineer would be called in to test the integrity of the building, then a plan of action can be created.
At London Damp Specialists, we have the know-how and resources to deal with serious damp issues and should you need our services, call us on 020 7458 4864 during office hours or fill in the form on this website.
Damp Survey Costs
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees for our independent, unbiased surveys.
Level 1
What’s included:
- Inspection of walls
- Inspection of floors
- Inspection of ceilings
- Leak inspection of drains and plumbing
- Damp information and prevention guide
Level 2
What’s included:
- Everything in Level 1
- Dry rot inspection
- Wet rot inspection
- Woodworm inspection
- Damp information and prevention guide
Level 3 (Most Popular)
What’s included:
- Everything in Level 1 & Level 2
- Thermal Imaging
- Air humidity testing
- HD boroscope camera
- Brickwork pointing inspection
- DPC inspection
- Ventilation flow test on extractor fans
- 4K drone imagery roof, chimney stack
and guttering inspection - Structural condition inspection
- Damp information and prevention guide
Survey Add Ons
Add On 1
Laboratory analysis Of plaster identifies hygroscopic salts such as chlorides and nitrates. which indicate whether damp is caused by rising groundwater or by plumbing leaks, This testing removes guesswork, allowing the exact source of moisture to be identified so the correct treatment is applied rather than carrying out unnecessary damp-proofing work.
Add On 2
qPCR DNA mould testing detects microscopic mould spores that are invisible during a normal inspection and van remain hidden behind walls, floors. or inside building rkaterials. It identifies the exact mould species present and the contamination level, allowing hidden mould problems to be confirrned and properly treated before they affect the property or occupants’ health.
Qualifications: All our surveyors are PCA and CSRT qualified for remedial treatments and also CSSW qualified for structural waterproofing.
Next day report: You will receive the report within 24 hours of the inspection taking place.
The survey fee will be deducted from the cost of any recommended repairs.
These are the tools we use
A damp meter
A damp meter is a diagnostic tool used to detect and measure moisture levels within building materials such as plaster, brick, timber, and concrete.
Borescope camera
borescope camera is a small inspection camera attached to a flexible semi-rigid cable that allows you to see inside areas that are otherwise inaccessible.
Inspection Drone
A drone is a remotely operated aerial device equipped with a camera that allows visual inspection from above without the need for scaffolding or ladder.
Air Humidity Sensor
Air humidity sensor measures the amount of moisture present in the air, expressed as relative humidity (RH) in percentage. It helps determine whether indoor conditions are contributing to condensation, mould growth, or damp-related issues.
Thermal Imaging Camera
A thermal imaging camera detects temperature differences on surfaces by using infrared technology to produce a heat map image. In damp investigations, it helps identify cold spots, moisture intrusion, insulation defects, thermal bridging and leaks.
Air Flow Ventilation Detector
An air flow ventilation detector measures the movement and volume of air passing through vents, extractor fans, and air bricks. It confirms whether ventilation systems are working properly and achieving adequate air changes within a room. Poor airflow leads to trapped moisture, high humidity, condensation on cold surfaces, and ultimately mould growth.
Mould Swab Test Kit
A mould swab test is carried out to confirm the presence of hidden mould growth and identify the specific species involved. Surface mould is not always visible, especially behind furniture, inside cavities, or within ventilation systems. Laboratory analysis of a swab sample determines whether active mould spores are present and what type they are, which helps assess potential health risks and decide the correct remediation approach rather than relying on visual assumption alone.
Plaster Salt Analysis Lab
Laboratory analysis of plaster is used to identify the type of salts present within the material, typically chlorides and nitrates. The presence and concentration of these salts help determine whether the moisture source is consistent with rising damp, ground contamination, or another forms [sic] of water ingress. such as mains water leak, This removes guesswork and prevents misdiagnosis, ensuring the correct remedial treatment is specified rather than applying unnecessary or ineffective solutions.
